Nature conservation compensation measure Malchustal

Environmental protection is important to K+S

There can be no potash production without affecting the environment. We make every effort to keep these impacts as little as possible. If they cannot be avoided at all, we provide for compensation / replacement. We are legally obliged to take such measures. We do, however, attach great importance to creating added value for the environment beyond what is stipulated. The K+S nature compensation measure Malchustal is a great example for such a successful achievement.

The Malchustal is a 100ha large landscape area which belongs to the estates of the castle Ludwigseck in the municipality Ludwigsau, near Rotenburg at the Fulda. In the middle of the 19th century, the historical castle park was redesigned and extended in the style of a landscape park. Diverse habitats were created by combining old wood pastures, where cattle grazed, with open land, pond landscapes, alleys and old wood stocks. 

During the 20th century, forest utilization and livestock farming changed, along with the original structures of the landscape park. In 2012, the von und zu Gilsa family initiated a concept of measures to revitalize the park forest. Hectare by hectare of various nature conservation measures have been implemented since 2014. They follow a plan of measures, which was established on the basis of historical landscape planning and sustainable conception. The focus is on creating added value for animals and plants.

A cooperation agreement has been concluded with the owner of the castle, Mr. von und zu Gilsa, and the concept of measures has been developed in coordination with the Upper Nature Conservation Authority and specialist planners.

Three habitats are essentially enhanced for the preservation and reintroduction of flora and fauna: The development of park forest, or semi-open wood pasture landscapes also known as pastoral forests, dense deciduous and mixed forests, and as a third wet forest along flowing waters with flooded aquatic vegetation. Every natural habitat provides habitat for special, often endangered species such as the grey woodpecker, the long-eared owl, the pond bat or the salamander.

The restoration of further stylistic elements such as lines of sight, alleys and the exposure of striking individual trees adds value to the landscape and increases its tourist appeal. A recreational area has been created for the benefit of the general public.

Through the targeted selection of nature conservation measures and cooperation with authorities, private persons, and specialist planners, real added value is created for animals and plants and a recreational area which benefits the general public.